The First State of Being

Consider the differences between Ridge’s perceptions of 1999 and those of the other characters. What does Ridge misunderstand or fail to grasp about the experience of living in 1999? Conversely, what does his outside perspective allow him to see?

Why is Ridge fascinated by the year 1999? What does this fascination reveal about his understanding of history and of himself?

In order to create a fictional future world of 2199, Kelly does exactly what Michael learns is impossible: She guesses about what the future will hold. How does she use this imagined future to identify problems in the present?

What aspects of their identities, experiences, and personalities constitute common ground for Michael and Ridge, despite the two centuries that separate them?

Michael often feels alone even though he has a loving community around him. What gives rise to this perceived isolation?

How does Michael learn to let others care for him? How does he learn to care for others effectively? Must he learn one of these lessons before he can learn the other?

Consider the implications of the Ridge mystery document. If Ridge, in 1999, creates the document that gives him his name in the 22nd century, what does this imply about the existence of free will?

Ridge says everyone makes history by living it. How does this statement align with the possibility—as implied by the Ridge document—that choice is an illusion?